Adapting a CNC router to laser engraver?

[Pazzoom]

I have a good cnc but want to do some fine (as in small) engraving on wood parts. Similar to the kind of work done on pens. Not looking to buy into an entire laser machine setup.

What's involved in using a laser engraving head with my existing Shark Pro cnc?

Thanks.

Pazzoom/Jim

[zax15uk]

Do you want to burn the wood (pyrography) or engrave it (remove material)?

If you want to remove material to create a dimensional design then a CO2 laser is probably the best solution, but for burning you could use either a hot iron or diode laser.

The diode laser would be the easier to implement BUT I would suggest the hot iron as the easiest (just needs a spring loaded attachment).

The CO2 laser would provide the most options, cutting and deeper engraving but is the most expensive (~$600 for glass tube) and hardest to add to your system (mount flying optics or metal tube).

Zax.

[dominicburke200]

see this Tweakie.CNC - CO2 Laser Cutting.
a good forum member from the uk called tweakie (i think) has done this to his cnc router he built. His build log contains lots of info. i've gone down the road of building two machines a router and a laser before i found that thread.

[Pazzoom]

Originally Posted by zax15uk Do you want to burn the wood (pyrography) or engrave it (remove material)? ... Zax.

Thanks, Zax. I want to remove material in the engraving process. So (naturally) the more expensive road will be mine. Thanks again for the handy tips. Much appreciated.

Pazzoom

[Pazzoom]

Originally Posted by dominicburke200 see this Tweakie.CNC - CO2 Laser Cutting. a good forum member from the uk called tweakie (i think) has done this to his cnc router he built. His build log contains lots of info. i've gone down the road of building two machines a router and a laser before i found that thread.

Yes, a great source of help. I saw his very helpful information last night. And I will be reading through it more in the coming days. I used a laser in a workplace (many years ago) but never paid much attention to what was involved. Very helpful.

Thanks for the direction. I appreciate the help.

Pazzoom